Method and system for collecting ethanol from aquatic plants

Abstract

Methods and systems for collecting, purifying, and/or extracting ethanol produced during anaerobic metabolism by aquatic plants is provided. The system includes a cell containing water and an aquatic plant, an ethanol extraction assembly in fluid communication with the cell for removing ethanol from the water. Ethanol is released by the aquatic plant by initiating an anaerobic process in the plant such as by regulating the photosynthesis inducing light that reaches the aquatic plant.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for generating ethanol from an aquatic plant, the method comprising:
 establishing at least one submersed aquatic herb in a cell containing water; 
 alternating a step of inhibiting photosynthesis inducing light from reaching said at least one submersed aquatic herb to initiate and maintain an anaerobic metabolism in said at least one submersed aquatic herb and a step of allowing photosynthesis inducing light to reach said at least one submersed aquatic herb to initiate and maintain aerobic metabolism in said at least one aquatic herb; and 
 generating ethanol from the aquatic plant. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further including a step of depleting oxygen in said water during the step of inhibiting photosynthesis inducing light from reaching said at least one submersed aquatic herb. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a photosynthetic light inhibiting apparatus positioned between a light source and said at least one submersed aquatic herb inhibits photosynthesis inducing light from reaching said at least one submersed aquatic herb. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a sealing barrier positioned between an oxygen source and said at least one submersed aquatic herb inhibits oxygen from entering said water. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein an artificial light source is positioned between the cell and a photosynthetic light regulating system. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of introducing anoxic water to said cell. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adding CO 2  to the water contained in said cell. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the submersed aquatic herb is selected from a member of the group consisting of Potamogetonaceae, Ceratophyllaceae, Haloragaceae, or Ruppiaceae family. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the submersed aquatic herb is from the Potamogetonaceae family and is  Stuckenia pectinata.    
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising collecting the ethanol from water contained in said cell.